A study by Instagram shows Ronaldo has gained nine million more followers than great rival Lionel Messi in 2017, with the Argentinean's 21 million extra follows placing him on an overall total of 84 million.

His former Barcelona teammate Neymar is next, gaining 20 million more to sit on 84.8 million.

Sports stars who have gained the most Instagram followers in 2017 (millions)

Neymar, however is top when it comes to sports stars' views on Instagram Stories.